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DHS cyber framework team named

Phyllis Schneck will lead a new team at DHS dedicated to implementing the cybersecurity framework.

The Department of Homeland Security formally announced the leadership team in the National Protection and Programs Directorate's Office of Cybersecurity and Communications that will help implement the cybersecurity framework for critical infrastructure systems unveiled by the White House in February.

A blog post on the agency's website the evening of March 12 said the new team, drawn from top White House and DHS cybersecurity managers, will work under the direction of Deputy Undersecretary for Cybersecurity and Communications Phyllis Schneck.

According to the joint post by Schneck and NPPD Deputy Undersecretary Suzanne Spaulding, Andy Ozment will join the team as assistant secretary for cybersecurity and communications. Ozment had previously been director of compliance and technology under the chief information security officer at DHS, and he returns to the department after working as senior director for cybersecurity at the White House since 2012.

The post said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Touhill will serve as deputy assistant secretary for cybersecurity operations and programs.

Bobbie Stempfley will step into a new role as deputy assistant secretary for cybersecurity strategy and emergency communications. She had served as acting assistant secretary and deputy assistant secretary of cybersecurity and communications.

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While at the White House, Ozment worked for Cybersecurity Coordinator Michael Daniel and led the development and implementation of Executive Order 13636 on improving critical infrastructure cybersecurity. That order resulted in the development of the Cybersecurity Framework and the establishment of the voluntary Critical Infrastructure Cyber Community program.

Touhill will focus on the development and implementation of operational programs such as the continuous diagnostics and mitigation program and the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, which are aimed at protecting government networks and critical infrastructure systems.

Stempfley will oversee emergency communications, develop and implement NPPD's strategy and policy efforts, and focus on building partnerships with the public and private sectors and the general public.